Epithelial - Stromal Interactions In Pancreatic Cancer: Role Of Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,750.00
Summary
The pancreas is the major digestive organ in the body. It is located in the abdomen, draped across the spine behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death in this country and in Western Society in general. Most patients with this disease survive only a few months after diagnosis. Even for those in whom a curative operation is undertaken, survival is poor. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (alone and in combination) result in, at best, limited benefit. Clearly, there is a need for ....The pancreas is the major digestive organ in the body. It is located in the abdomen, draped across the spine behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death in this country and in Western Society in general. Most patients with this disease survive only a few months after diagnosis. Even for those in whom a curative operation is undertaken, survival is poor. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (alone and in combination) result in, at best, limited benefit. Clearly, there is a need for novel approaches to this lethal disease. The proposed project involves an examination of the local tissue reaction around pancreatic cancer. This tissue reaction is usually prominent and the cells involved may determine the extent of local and distant spread of the cancer. Modulation of this tissue reaction may limit pancreatic cancer growth and thus improve outcome.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Mechanism And Significance Of CXCL16-mediated Protection Of Tumour Cells From CTL-induced Apoptosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,520.00
Summary
This research will begin to determine the significance of changes in the amount of a recently-discovered protein on the surface of tumour cells. We have shown that an increase in expression of this protein protects tumour cells from destruction by our immune system's killer T cells. The outcome of this research could lead to a better understanding of how the immune system recognises and kills tumour cells, and ultimately, alternate vaccine strategies for tumours.
Cigaratte Smoke Exposure Suppresses Alveolar Macrophage Responses To Lipopolysaccharide By Modifying The TLR4 Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$506,283.00
Summary
Long term cigarette smoke exposure is a major risk factor for cancer, heart disease and emphysema. A less known fact about smoke exposure is that it also leaves people susceptible to respiratory infections by i) physically damaging the lung lining and ii) suppressing cells responsible for coordinating the lungs defence system. This project will identify how smoke exposure blocks the early response to infection by the immune system and discovery novel ways of restoring normal lung defences.